Believe by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Believe
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of belief, loss, and resilience in the face of inevitable destruction. The speaker reflects on the fragility of human constructs, symbolized by the bridges and battlements of a town, suggesting that even the most steadfast creations can fall. The imagery evokes a sense of impending doom, as the speaker contemplates a future where these structures are no longer standing. The speaker expresses a profound connection to the land and its wonders, indicating that despite the potential for ruin, there is a deep appreciation for the beauty of existence. The notion of remaining amidst the ruins signifies a commitment to memory and history, even when faced with desolation. The speaker's resolve to endure, sharing the fate of the fallen structures, highlights a sense of loyalty to the past and a refusal to abandon it. The poem also touches on the idea of separation, as the speaker addresses another person who may seek a better life elsewhere. This creates a tension between the desire for personal escape and the weight of shared history. The speaker's willingness to stay, even in the face of decay, underscores a belief in the importance of place and memory. Ultimately, the work conveys a complex interplay between hope and despair, suggesting that even in ruin, there is a form of existence that holds value. The speaker's steadfastness in the face of loss serves as a testament to the enduring nature of belief, even when confronted with the harsh realities of change and decay.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 150 words

First lines

Believe, if ever the bridges of this town, Whose towers were builded without fault or stain, Be taken, and its battlements go down, No mortal roof shall shelter me again; I shall not prop a branch against a bough

To hide me from the whipping east or north, Nor tease to flame a heap of sticks, who now

Am warmed by all the wonders of the earth. Do you take ship unto some happier shore

In such event, and have no thought for me, I shall remain; -to share the ruinous floor

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Believe is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1921 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Existentialism, Lyric
Length: 150 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores themes of belief and existential reflection.
Romanticism — The poem embodies Romantic ideals, focusing on individual emotion and the beauty of nature.
Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and the fragility of human constructs.
Existentialism — The themes of existence, belief, and the human condition align with existentialist philosophy.